Russell and Shirley DermondEATONTON, Ga. – An elderly man was beheaded and found in his home, officials in a small central Georgia town said as authorities on Thursday sought help from the FBI in searching for his wife, whom they fear was abducted.
Friends found the body of 88-year-old Russell Dermond on Tuesday in the garage of the couple’s home on the shore of Lake Oconee, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said in a statement. His wife, 87-year-old Shirley Dermond, was still missing Tuesday, officials said.
The man had been decapitated, county coroner Gary McElhenney told WMAZ-TV. Authorities said they believe the attack happened sometime between Friday and Sunday.
Sills said he doesn’t believe the attack was random, partly because there was no evidence of forced entry or a struggle.
Sills said Shirley Dermond’s wallet, cellphone, purse and car were all left behind, making it difficult to track her whereabouts.